Ki Sung-Yueng has revealed a renewed team spirit was behind Swansea City’s first away win since the opening day of the season.
The South Korean midfielder played his part in the club’s dramatic 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace on Tuesday night which lifted them off the bottom of the Premier League table.
The Swans, watched by new head coach Paul Clement, took all three points from Selhurst Park courtesy of sub Angel Rangel’s 89th minute half-volley.
They had broken the deadlock through Alfie Mawson’s first-half header, but it appeared they would have to share the spoils when Wilfried Zaha’s stunning volley levelled the scores with seven minutes remaining.
Ki said: “There was a bit of frustration after they had scored, because we felt we could hold on to 1-0.
“But we showed a much better attitude after conceding compared to recent games. Defensively, as a team, we were more solid and the character was great. It was the character and attitude of the team that helped us win that game.
“We needed to make a good start in the new year, and we showed a lot of character get three points, which was pleasing for the players and fans. There was a period in the second half where they were in control, but overall we looked very good and we deserved to win.”
Victory moved the Swans off the bottom of the Premier League – level with 18th placed Sunderland and one point adrift of Palace, who lie one place above in the table.
New boss Clement takes charge of his first game this weekend, which sees the Swans travel to Hull in the FA Cup third round.
And Ki felt it was a good starting point for the former Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Chelsea No.2, who now looks to steer the club out of the danger zone.
“We knew it was a massive game for us as it was against a direct rival, while the new gaffer was seeing us for the first time,” said the 27-year-old, who started his second game in a row on Tuesday night.
“It was a busy first day for him. He has a lot of experience at massive clubs, so we can learn from him and we look forward to working with him. Altogether, I believe we can move the club to where we want to be. We have a long way to go, but we believe in each other.”
